Polish gold in Kona Windsurfing European Championship

After three days of intense racing in Sandhamn out of the Swedish east coast, Polish Maksymilian Wójcik is the new windsurfing European Champion in ISAF-class Kona One. Swedish super talent Adam Holm finished second, before Björn Holm, also Sweden, this year’s Kona One World Champion.

The championship took place in Swedish sailing mekka Sandhamn which has hosted numerous international sailing events over the years. A total of 45 sailors from countries like Portugal, Slovenia and Denmark competed. The winds were unusually light and unpredictable during the three racing days which demanded great tactical skills and concentration of the sailors. Polish Maksymilian Wójcik was the one who best proved to handle these demanding conditions and delivered an impressive racing result.

'I’m very happy with my sailing. This was my first Kona-championship. The competition was very tough, much tougher than I had expected. In the beginning of the event I was a bit concerned with the non-pumping rule but came to appreciate it very much over time, Maksymilian Wójcik, explains.

He has been a long time member of Team Poland in Olympic windsurfing class RX:S. In 2012 he also won the raceboard World Championship.

Young Swedish super talent Adam Holm, finished second after winning four out of ten races, two more than the overall winner. Third was this year’s Kona World Champion Björn Holm, also Sweden.

Kona One is one of the fastest growing windsurfing classes in the world and part of ISAF. It is a one type class where all sailors have identical boards. The same sail is used in all conditions and size according to weight, to give as fair conditions as possible and men and women compete together. It is further a non-pumping class.